Biology 305 Evolution Spring 2012

Instructor: Kent Rhodes Phone: 704-337-2410 Class meeting times: MWF 10:00-10:50 PM. Texts: Evolution, Futuyma, Douglas J. Sinauer, 2009. ISBN 9780878932238. Objectives: Understand the historical context of the study of evolution within the biological sciences. Know the types of evidence that show biological evolution. Understand the biological events that lead to evolutionary change. Understand various processes such as natural selection, genetic drift, speciation, coevolution, etc. The Honor Code: The Honor Code, which permeates all phases of university life, is based on three fundamental principles. It assumes that Queens students: a) are truthful at all times, b) respect the property of others, and c) are honest in tests, examinations, term papers, and all other academic assignments. It is a violation of the Honor Code for a student to be untruthful concerning the reason for a class absence. Contact me if you believe a violation of the Honor Code has occurred. Attendance: Attendance is required for all class meetings. Missed tests or other in class performances may be made up at the discretion of the instructor. Normally, make-ups will be allowed only in the cases of serious personal illness, personal or family emergency, or participation in a college sanctioned activity. If you expect to miss a test or other class performance due to participation in another Queens activity, you must receive prior approval for a make-up. Excuses for absences fall within the jurisdiction of the Queens Honor Code. If you have more than 3 absences, I reserve the right to lower your final grade by one-half a letter grade for each absence over three. If you miss more than 3 consecutive class periods, I will report you to the Academic Affairs Office. Grading: Lecture tests 50% Final exam 15% Paper 15 % Class participation & presentations 20% Scale: A =100-94, A-= 93-90, B+ = 89-88, B = 87-85, B- = 84-80, C+ = 79-78, C = 77-75, C- = 74-70, D+ = 69-65, D = 64-60, below 60 = F. Tests: Lecture tests and the final exam will be a combination of objective and essay style questions. Objective questions may include items such as definitions, multiple choice, true-false, matching, etc. Class participation: You must come to class prepared to discuss assigned reading from the text and any assigned papers to be discussed in class. In addition each of you will be responsible for leading the discussion of papers in class. You must meet with me to discuss the paper that you are assigned at least two class periods prior to the class discussion. Office: Walker Science 111 Office hours: Posted on my door.

Paper: You must select a topic associated with evolution and write a short research paper (4-6 pages, double spaced). This could be about the evolution of a particular species or group or about a particular problem in evolution. You must reference a minimum of 6 authoritative sources. Topics are due Friday Feb 5. Completed drafts including bibliography will be due Friday, March 15. Final drafts are due Monday April 12. Disabilities: If you are a student with a verified disability, please give to your professor,

the Letter of Accommodation provided by Student Disability Services. Students who have a disability, or think they have a disability (e.g. psychiatric, attentional, learning, vision, hearing, physical, or systemic), are invited to contact Student Disability Services for a confidential discussion at 704-337-2508 or at rogelbes@queens.edu. Additional information is available at http://www.queens.edu/Life-on-Campus/Student-DisabilityServices.html Closings: In the rare occasion when it is necessary to close the university announcements will be made on TV and radio, and will be posted on the Queens web site (www.queens.edu). Students who live on campus will be notified of a decision to cancel classes through their voice mail. Commuter students should call the Queens Information Hotline (704-337-2567). NOTE: If classes are meeting but you feel that you cannot find a safe way to get to class, you should notify me as soon as possible. Intellectual policy: Queens University of Charlotte faculty and students adhere to the Queens Intellectual Property Policy which can be accessed through the Queens University of Charlotte website at http://www.queens.edu/About-Queens/Policies-andProcedures/Copyright-and-Intellectual-Property.html . All written materials provided to the class are the property of the instructors and may not be distributed to others outside of this class without permission. Tenative Class Schedule Date 1/9/12 1/11 1/13 1/16 1/18 1/20 1/23 1/25 1/27 1/30 2/1 2/3 2/6 Assignment Intro to the class Ch. 1 2, Problem 1 p. 44. Consider the other questions. MLK Jr. Holiday Ch. 3 MLK Holiday Ch. 4 Ch. 5 Ch. 6 Ch. 7

2/8 2/10 2/13 2/15 2/17 2/20 2/22 2/24 2/27 2/29 3/5-9 3/12 3/14 3/16 3/19 3/21 3/23 3/26 3/28 3/30 4/2 4/4 4/6 4/9 4/11 4/13 4/16 4/18 4/20 4/23 4/24

Ch. 9 Ch. 10 Ch. 11 Ch. 12 Ch. 13 Spring Break Ch. 15 Ch. 16 Ch. 17

HOLIDAY Ch. 19 Ch. 22 Ch. 23 Classes end Reading day